Into the Deep – Jen Coito: Ignatius at Home

The Pooper-Scooper

I didn’t WANT a bunny. I did not even WANT to WANT a bunny. And yet, here we are. We are knee-deep in critter litter, Timothy hay, and various chew toys. My daughter has been asking for her own pet for a very long time. While we have a very elderly and antisocial family dog,ContinueContinue reading “The Pooper-Scooper”

What Will I Inherit?

This post appeared on the Into The Deep Blog, in 2025 the topics align with the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope. This series, Beatitudes of Hope, answers the prompt: “May we all consider these wisdom blessings and how they call us to radiate a spirit of hope, promise, and peace. As we walk in theContinueContinue reading “What Will I Inherit?”

Too Good to Be True

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 The poles, the big top, the sparkling lights. While not a traditional sign that Christmas is coming forContinueContinue reading “Too Good to Be True”

I’m Stumped

First Sunday of Advent, C Cycle “In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land.” – Jeremiah 33:14 The tiny pieces of the off-brand Lego set do not want to fit together. And just when I get themContinueContinue reading “I’m Stumped”

At a loss… trusting God will give me the words

The education, pastoral ministry, and nonprofit sectors love the personality tests. I won’t list all the various social and psychological iterations here, but no matter what kind of personality test you give me, I always come out as some kind of analytical introvert. I’m the kind that struggles to articulate thoughts and feelings on theContinueContinue reading “At a loss… trusting God will give me the words”

Broken Locks

Savoring Easter: Jesus Appears to the Apostles in the Locked Room Our daughter’s room had no doorknob. We went through a phase where she locked herself in her room over and over again. She knew how to lock the door but not how to let herself out. One time she locked herself in a roomContinueContinue reading “Broken Locks”

I Thirst…

The wildflowers on the side of the road look cheerful and welcoming. The rolling green hills and lush foliage look like a picture-perfect postcard. I can’t enjoy the beauty; the scene fills me with dread. Soon they will become the dried up kindling of the summer wildfires. I live in an area of California constantlyContinueContinue reading “I Thirst…”

Remember the Dance

Second Sunday of Advent The prima ballerina entered from stage right and I felt the pricks of pain in my toe as if it were only yesterday. The silk of the ribbons around my ankles and the gentle friction of the tutu skirt on my legs were as real today as they were a lifetimeContinueContinue reading “Remember the Dance”

Podcast Episode: Loved As You Are

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vUe2jKnLrUnbPGbdxMgR5 Check out the awesome podcast “Loved As You Are” by fellow Into the Deep writer Gretchen Crowder. I was interviewed a few weeks ago on the topic of “Loved As You Are”… enjoy!

Tasting Courage

This post appeared in a series on “Consolation Beyond a Smile.” Read the whole series on the Into the Deep blog. I am not a very adventurous eater. As a lifelong vegetarian, my options are often limited from the start. In unfamiliar settings I wonder about hidden pork fat and disguised fish sauce …steakhouses andContinueContinue reading “Tasting Courage”